What's your experience with snooty HiFi salesmen?

Liked Audio Dimensions, Harry was kind and a wealth of knowledge. The old Absolute Sound, who I bought a bunch of equipment from over the years as they patiently supported my regular visiting, learning, and long listens. And now have a really great relationship with the guys at of David Michael Audio. Real gentleman and music lovers, all in Royal Oak, MI. Can’t say enough good things about the DMA guys. They have even graciously hosted our SMAC Southeast Michigan Audio Club several times.

Have I experienced elitist a’holes in the audio business? Sure. Most of them don’t get repeat visits or any business from me.

Keep in mind; customers as well as proprietors can be insufferable, and less than kind beings. We all share a responsibility here.

The bottom line: I spend my money with the people that I like.

I hate shops with salesmen that tell you what they think you should be hearing in an audition, and have actually asked them to keep their opinions to themselves as they held zero interest for me - I was only interested in what I thought.

@tonykay 

Another audio wasteland here in Nevada! I just ran into this issue here at a shop in an expensive part of Las Vegas. Walked in to look for a preamp and get a general idea of the store and staff. Was ignored most of the time, sales staff acted busy talking to each other and on the computer, another was boxing up some piece of equipment. My wife joined after a while and got the same impression.

I finally asked someone a question about a preamplifier and was given curt single sentence answer then he returned back to the other sales person. Gave him the benefit of the doubt that he was engaged in something important or time sensitive. Asked another salesperson about room treatments and same thing short answer, pointed to the brochure and back to talking to other salesperson.

Guess I wasn’t dressed expensive enough for their time, and no I’m not young just the opposite. 

Unfortunately this is about the only store I’m aware of in my area but I won’t be doing business with them. 

Maybe a weekend trip to AZ shops TonyKay pointed out!

I have never really experienced bad customer service by a salesman/owner. I guess I have that look...

But at one time I was looking at Sonus Faber speakers. The salesman demonstrated the Cremora.

It all sounded fine with the music the salesman used. But when I had him play some CCR boy did the speakers distort! It was funny watching the salesman run to turn the volume down. So much for that demo.

ozzy

We are not stupid and so ignore their condescension. Remember that salespeople are trained to separate you from your money; don’t take it personally. 😉 Act accordingly by protecting your own interests and money as family members. In my experience, the boutiques are more interested in home theatre installations so if you don’t have at least $20K to spend you’re wasting your time. Regarding electronics, I learned from reading circuits and chipset literature, there is much commonality or "me too" with the expensive and affordable equipment. Open the hood and you may see different power supplies and passive components; however, the circuit topology coupled with the usual Analog Devices, AKM or ESS Sabre chipsets are exactly same as you would find in cheaper equipment. The technologies in Class A, AB and D amplifiers has matured so don’t believe the hype. Unless you really want to have a specific name plate on your stuff, you guys know the usual suspects, you may be restricted to dealers only. Go into the stores, have them turn on the equipment, don’t make small talk and only ask questions you already know the answers too. If you want to control the conversation, show interest and ask nicely "Why should I buy from you?"